Article Contributed by James Burbank
There is nothing wrong with all the revolutionary new ways of promoting your small business that we are being introduced almost daily, it seems, such as using online image services for marketing, using cloud services for your business needs and so on. However, more often than not, small businesses work in fields where the more traditional business and marketing methods are more useful. These are 5 good old-fashioned and relatively cheap ways in which you can promote your small business.
1. Invite people out to meals
It does not get much old-fashioned than this. Setting up a business meeting over a lunch or dinner and doing business face to face with your potential client or partner or supplier. This is a perfect way to do business because people tend to get more relaxed in less-than-absolutely-professional setting where they can get something to eat and drink. It becomes much easier to do business and promote your own firm or company or store.
In addition, this helps build a relationship that will be at least a tad more than just a professional connection. Of course, it goes without saying that you need to be pleasant and to have the feel for the occasion. In short, do not get drunk and start ranting on about something that the person(s) opposite you are absolutely not interested in.
2. Get involved with the local community
Unless you are providing a remote service across oceans, it is very likely that your small business will be rather local in nature. The relations that you develop in the start with your local community will provide a theme for your business going forward. No one wants to deal with a business that, when starting off, bought and demolished a local community center because the location was neat.
You can organize local events and charities that will contribute to your local community. And let’s be honest, there are not that many local communities that could not use a bit of help. Depending on your line of business, you can organize days when you will help your local community in more practical ways as well.
3. Attend trade shows
When your small business is still in its infancy, it is more likely than not that your budget will not allow you to set up your own exhibition stands and exhibit yourself (although this is something to look forward to). However, this should never stop you from attending local, regional and national trade shows and fairs from your field of expertise.
Trade shows are a unique opportunity for networking and also promoting your brand by getting in touch with your potential competition (and having a sneaky peek, why not?), your potential partners and al the potential clients and customers that will attend the trade shows in droves. Trade shows are an exquisite source of information on what is happening in your field and what you might do yourself.
4. Become the source for local media
Local media may be in decline when it comes to producing original content and when it comes to exposure in today’s interconnected world, but they still have an involved and passionate community that gets its information from this source and who are likely to react and act upon something they see or read in local media.
The best way to get in touch with local media is to approach them when they are doing a piece on something that is in your area of expertise. Do not insist on being quoted at first. In time, they will start quoting you and approaching you as a trusted source of information/expert. This will give you exposure that you would spend quite a lot of money on if you went with paid advertising and it won’t cost you a dime.
5. Organize local events
Organizing an event seems like too large a bite for a small business but the secret here is to go small and go alternative. Instead of renting out a giant hall in the local hotel, find a small space where you can organize a movie night with a projector and complimentary drinks. Organize a race for the local community or an athletic event of some kind at your local park.
The important thing here is to make sure your local community knows about your event and that you do not try to push your brand or your products directly. People will, sooner or later, start talking about you and your rating in your local community will only grow this way. Plus, you can always use such events to feel the pulse of your potential customer/client base.
About the Author
James Burbank has spent years in marketing and brand promotion for US-based businesses in Australia and Europe. Currently, he works from home back in the States and writes for NVP Exhibits, sharing his experience with anyone who wants to learn more about his fields of expertise. You can find James on Twitter too – @jburbank2019.